FINANCIAL REALITIES

Financial Facts

RPD Taxes on $100,000 home: $379 (2017); About 7.6% of a Rockford resident’s total tax bill is attributed to the Rockford Park District.

Two Main Revenue Streams: Property Taxes and Fees

District Realities - Financial

THE PARK DISTRICT HAS TWO MAIN REVENUE STREAMS: PROPERTY TAXES AND FEES

In the past 4 years, Rockford Park District elected not to increase tax dollars for its operating budget, saving taxpayers $1.7 million.

Fee revenue has declined drastically over the last 10 years. Facilities such as Magic Waters Waterpark and the District’s five golf courses are no longer revenue generators, due to changing demographics and recreation trends

Since the decline of Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) in 2009, the Rockford Park District has lost nearly $1 billion in EAV

BUDGET REDUCTIONS OVER LAST FOUR YEARS

$8.4 million in budget reductions to keep a balanced budget

Since 2009, a 10% reduction has been made in full-time positions while adding more than 20 parks, playgrounds, parking areas, paths, or new recreational facilities including Alpine Hills Adventure Park, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two expansion, Olson Swedish Heritage Park, UW Health Sports Factory, and a food and beverage department

AGING INFRASTRUCTURE: THE PARK DISTRICT IS 109 YEARS OLD!

Deferred maintenance needs total $12 million; only $3 million is available to address capital needs

Thanks to the Emerald Ash Borer, 2,000 ash trees need to be removed; cost to remove each tree is $350

SPORTS TOURISM IMPACT

Mercyhealth Sportscore Complexes and UW Health Sports Factory bring on average $20 million in annual economic impact to local hotels, restaurants, and other retail stores while generating additional sales tax revenue for our region.

Rockford Park District tournament facilities are subsidized due to operational expenses such as maintenance, parking, and security. Field and court rental fees must remain competitive within the tournament industry.

2018 Budget Background

This year, the District faced another $1 million deficit. Even during the recession, the District has been able to consistently provide outstanding park and recreational offerings to our community; however, with declining revenue both through fees and a declining tax base, along with population and demographic shifts, it is becoming more difficult to provide the same level of service without an increase in revenue or a decrease in our footprint.

The District is partnering with the City of Loves Park, the City of Rockford, Winnebago County, and Rockford Public Schools among others to standardize public sector spending. These governmental entities are reviewing joint purchasing, equipment sharing, and ways to align bids to save tax dollars.

Additional information ABOUT ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT’S BUDGET

To work towards a balanced budget, the District has continued to seek non-tax revenue, further reduce expenses, increase donor support, and explore lease and sale of land or property. Below is a look at what was included in 2018 budget: